Good day, readers. Today is January 27th, the 27th day of the year 2024, with 339 days remaining.
Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.
Pablo Picasso
Today in Literary History:
On this day in 1832, Lewis Carroll, the renowned British author, mathematician, and photographer, was born. Best known for his whimsical works Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass, Carroll’s inventive use of wordplay, logic, and fantasy continues to captivate and intrigue readers of all ages.
Notable Birthdays:
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (January 27, 1756 – December 5, 1791), although primarily celebrated as a composer, influenced literature through his operas and the librettos that blended music with storytelling. His life and work have inspired countless biographies and works of historical fiction, exploring the complexity of his genius and the beauty of his music.
Today’s Readings:
From Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll: “Who in the world am I? Ah, that’s the great puzzle.”
Literary Fact of the Day:
On January 27, 1926, Scottish engineer John Logie Baird demonstrated the first working television system. This technological breakthrough had profound effects on culture and society, subsequently influencing the development of television drama and scriptwriting as new forms of literary expression.
Poem of the Day:
“The Layers” by Stanley Kunitz:
I have walked through many lives,
some of them my own,
and I am not who I was,
though some principle of being
abides, from which I struggle
not to stray.
When I look behind,
as I am compelled to look
before I can gather strength
to proceed on my journey,
I see the milestones dwindling
toward the horizon
and the slow fires trailing
from the abandoned camp-sites,
over which scavenger angels
wheel on heavy wings.
Oh, I have made myself a tribe
out of my true affections,
and my tribe is scattered!
This deeply reflective poem by Stanley Kunitz explores themes of change, memory, and personal growth, making it a poignant meditation on life’s journey and the continual process of self-discovery.
Advice for Writers:
Inspired by Lewis Carroll’s creative storytelling, consider how you can use elements of fantasy and surrealism to explore and express deeper truths in your writing. Such approaches can open new avenues for reader engagement and thematic exploration.
Have an imaginative and inspiring day, dear readers. Until tomorrow, may your creative endeavors enrich your life and those of your readers.